This morning there are any number of interesting hockey stories to keep a fan occupied. NHL general managers have finally proposed a penalty for head shots, Sidney Crosby's stick & glove from the Olympics have been found, and of course the Predators have a big game on tap tonight in San Jose.

But perhaps the most remarkable story is the return of 48-year-old Chris Chelios to the NHL, and the host of internet jokes that are welcoming him back...

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More photos » John Bazemore - AP

Atlanta Thrashers goalie Johan Hedberg suffers from a painfully embarrassing drinking problem.

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After earning a milestone victory last night against the Atlanta Thrashers (Barry Trotz's 400th as an NHL head coach), the Nashville Predators head to the California for a difficult stretch against San Jose, Anaheim and Los Angeles. Those three games will be played across just four nights, making it even more difficult - but that's the road that must be traveled to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

After the jump, we've got plenty of reaction to last night's game from both the Nashville and Atlanta sides, along with a look at some of the odd proposals being tossed around the General Managers meetings in Florida...

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More photos » Mark Humphrey - AP

Nashville Predators center Marcel Goc has enjoyed his best NHL season, and leads the league in one advanced measure of a player's influence on Total Shots For & Against.

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While we get ready for the stress-filled race to the playoffs to continue tonight in Atlanta, we have word this morning that some of the Nashville Predators lead the way (both positively and negatively) in two advanced measures of player effectiveness.

Radio Note: The Thom Abraham Show will talk with Mike Johnson of the NHL Network in the 4:00 hour this afternoon. Ahead of tonight's game, you can listen to their segment with Colin Wilson from yesterday afternoon, in which he talks about the prospect of playing on the top line with Jason Arnott:

Colin Wilson on Thom Abraham Show 20100308

After the jump, we've also got a TV Note for you, and all of your morning hockey news, which includes the word on the gruesome injury suffered by Denis Grebeshkov, which will keep him out of the lineup for some time...

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As if a third-period collapse on a Sunday afternoon weren't bad enough, I'm sorry to start your Monday morning off with news that the Nashville Predators don't expect Shea Weber back for tomorrow's game in Atlanta, either.

Things aren't all bad, though; after the jump we've got a heaping helping of hockey news, including word that things aren't going well for the Thrashers right now either, the San Jose Sharks should perhaps give their goalie a rest, and Columbus forward Derick Brassard needs to stop playing with glue...

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More photos » Carlos Osorio - AP

Pretty sure he was unhappy last night.

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The Predators dropped a rough one last night to the Red Wings, but there's no need to dwell on that. I've got a truckload of news for ya this morning to get your mind off the game. 

Also, keep an eye out later today as I may be running a quick Farm Report on your favorite AHL team, the Milwaukee Admirals. Sneak peek: did you know that the Predators have a limited amount of call-ups until the Admirals are eliminated?

Follow after the jump where Derek Boogaard lays a dirty hit on Ryan Jones, Maxim Lapierre is suspended for his hit on Scott Nichol, and a Twitter account that may or may not be our own Jordin Tootoo...

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More photos » Frederick Breedon - AP

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With two victories coming out of the Olympic break, the Nashville Predators have gotten their dash to the playoffs off to a good start. Tonight, however, they face a big test in Detroit, which is right behind them in the Western Conference standings.

Besides checking out Chris' Game Day Preview, follow after the jump for your morning hockey news, which includes a glimpse into the priorities that new team chairman Tom Ciggaran holds for the Preds, a detailed look at new acquisition Dustin Boyd from a Calgary blogger who has tracked his development over the last few years, and an absolutely nasty hit put on former Pred Scott Nichol in last night's San Jose/Montreal game...

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With the NHL Trade Deadline finally behind us, Preds fans can focus on the roller coaster ride ahead of us, a whirlwind month or so that leads to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

I forgot to post a "Scoreboard Watch" yesterday since the Predators weren't in action, but having the Red Wings, Flames, and Ducks all lose in regulation gave Nashville a little breathing space heading into tonight's tilt with Los Angeles.

Remember, tonight's game is not on local TV, so either get yourself some cheap tickets (use offer code "PREDS"), or you can catch it on most cable/satellite systems as NHL Center Ice is offering a free preview this week.

After the jump, we've got your morning hockey news...

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Strap yourselves in folks, and hang out in our NHL Trade Deadline Open Thread as we keep an eye on the festivities around the league today. Will either of Nashville's Dans (Hamhuis or Ellis) be traded today? Stay tuned for the 2:00 p.m. Central deadline, and likely another 30-45 minutes after that. NHL guidelines state that two teams involved in a deal have to submit it by the deadline, but the conference call to verify the deal may take place afterward, given the high volume of activity we're likely to see.

Follow after the jump for your morning hockey news...

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